Rain Delays 3rd Round At Pebble Beach

GOLF

February 4, 1996

JEFF MAGGERT'S one-stroke lead midway through the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in California might turn out to be a final-round lead. Saturday's third round was postponed after heavy overnight rain left standing water on many greens and flooded some fairways, making Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Poppy Hills unfit for play. While it's possible the tournament would be extended to Monday, it's likely it will be shortened to 54 holes.

''We can't say that yet,'' said PGA Tour official David Eger. ''We are prepared to play Monday.''

However, the weather forecast for today was not good, and the already soaked courses can take no more water. At least three rounds have to be played for the event to be considered official money. ''They are going to have to have some cooperation from Mother Nature to get this in,'' Maggert said.

Maggert, who shot 68 Friday at Pebble Beach, was the midway leader at 8-under-par 136, a stroke ahead of Davis Love III, Loren Roberts and former champion Steve Jones. Eight more golfers were at 138 - including Tom Watson, Nick Faldo and Phil Mickelson. Thirteen more were three strokes back at 139.

CELEBRITIES STAGE SHOOTOUT FOR CBS

FANS WHO stuck around after the third round of the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am was postponed were treated to an impromptu celebrity shootout featuring a thinly disguised Nick Faldo and an exploding ball. Comedian Bill Murray, dressed in denim overalls, teed off on the 14th hole with an exploding ball, then made par by landing a 50-foot uphill putt. Murray and partner Glen Campbell went on to win the event, which was largely created for CBS television when action at the tournament was put off.

The shootout had its share of made-for-TV moments. Faldo appeared in a long wig, introducing himself as ''Fanny Faldo,'' after his own caddie, Fanny Sunesson. Actor Kevin Costner delighted fans on the 15th hole by driving into the crowded bleachers, then searching for the ball.

DALY, WOOSNAM SHARE HEINEKEN LEAD

JOHN DALY and Ian Woosnam were tied for the third-round lead in the Heineken Classic in Perth, Australia, at 11-under-par 205 after Woosnam matched the course record with a 65 and Daly shot 67. Jean van de Velde and Paul McGinley were one shot behind the co-leaders after van de Velde carded 67 and McGinley had 69. Greg Norman shot 75 and was out of contention at 216.